Tatting Patterns and Designs (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace) [Paperback]

Gun Blomqvist (Author), Elwy Persson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1988 | Series: Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace

Over 85 items: mats, bookmarks, edgings, collars, medallions, more for intermediate and advanced tatters. Clearly photographed projects; detailed instructions.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Swedish (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (December 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486258130
• ISBN-13: 978-0486258133
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #592,377 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #59 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Needlework
  • #76 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Knitting

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enduring and endearing., May 24, 2001

By 

Atheen M. Wilson "Atheen" (Mpls, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tatting Patterns and Designs (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace) (Paperback)

I first learned to do tatted lace as a teenager and quickly learned that it was a good way to relieve tension and to while away time when doing any kind of waiting. A ball of white or colored thread and a shuttle or two fit easily into a pocket or purse. I found Blomqvist and Persson's book at a public library in 1980 while visiting my family in Arizona and Xeroxed a few patterns to take with me when I went to live for a few months in Cairo. Since that time, I've purchased the book and enjoy even just browsing the patterns.

The introduction of the book has a short history of tatting and some illustrations of antique shuttles and samples of 19th and early 20th century laces. Chapter 1 is a brief discussion of materials. Although chapter 2 provides probably one of the most lucid illustrations of tatting technique I've seen, I suspect the beginner will still need the assistance of an experienced tatter to really make the knotting process apparent; I know I did. Generally speaking for most who are right handed, it comes naturally to use this hand in an active way. In tatting that will get one a lot of knots, but not slip knots. In tatting it is the non-dominant hand that does the work of wrapping the thread, while the dominant hand stabilizes the base thread. Like I said, advice from an experienced lace maker will help. Once shown, it will make complete sense.

One of the things I like most about tatted as opposed to knitted or crocheted lace is that it produces the most charming results with the least effort. There are essentially two stitches, the slipknot and picot, and these with the joining technique produce all the results. Furthermore, gaining skill progresses rapidly. Probably the most difficult part of the process is figuring out the stitch codes. Here the book can be somewhat more difficult to follow than others I've read. Persistence, however, will provide great rewards.

Tatting Patterns and Designs provides both the beginner and the advanced lace maker with some very lovely patterns. I've used the clover leaf designs of "Astrid" (p. 22) and "Boel" (p. 26) for edgings on collars and cuffs and did almost 200 diamond shaped medallions like star #4 on page 37 for a wedding gown. I've decorated my Christmas tree with 30 sugar-starched snowflakes using 5 different star patterns chosen from among the 45 included in the book. The mobile shown in the book using the same patterns would be fun to make, although I have to admit I`ve never done one.

For those who like a challenge there are several patterns for runners, mats and doilies, and for those who do lace for weddings there are two tatted cross bookmarks for bibles, and several patterns that would make nice bridal or 1st communion crowns. I've been tempted to try them, but have yet to do so. Perhaps when my friend Ann`s little girls do their communions, I`ll finally find motivation.

This is truly a book that is enduring and endearing.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I like it now, but I didn't at first!, February 27, 2000

By 

"nickname12345" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tatting Patterns and Designs (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace) (Paperback)

This was the first book I got when i first was learning to tat. It has a section on learning, but it didn't make any sense, and i almost gave up. I got a different book, Easy Tatting by Rozella Linden, and finally learned tatting with a shuttle and a second thread. I have since tried looking at this book again, and i love the many patterns. Not for the beginner, but as soon as you have learned two shuttle tatting, you will find this book a great resource.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for experienced tatters, January 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Tatting Patterns and Designs (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace) (Paperback)

I really liked this book. There were a lot of very nice patterns grouped according to complexity. There were not a lot of patterns for beginners and the more complex patterns were for bridal crowns which may not appeal to everyone.